Johnnie Wallen was known as the “kid from Kentucky” when he enlisted in the army at age fifteen. Being the youngest recruit on his ship was not easy, but the others looked up to him, despite his young age.

In the South Pacific, after a hard day's work, Johnnie is helped by a little girl who soothes his jungle bug bites with a leaf that only locals know. Johnnie in turn shares his K rations with the little girl and her family. She calls him Tucky Jo; he calls her Little Heart. Even though they speak different languages, their friendship is formed through kindness and caring. Then one day the little girl is gone, and soon Tucky Jo returns home to Kentucky. It isn’t until many years later that Tucky Jo realizes the tremendous influence he has had on the girl’s young life.

Beloved author and artist Patricia Polacco tells a story of friendship based on a true account of a World War II veteran who gave as much as he could and never expected his kindness would come back to him when he needed it most.

From the dust jacket